Frequently Asked Questions

The Show is coming up soon, I have a great project to exhibit but I haven't done anything to protect it yet, what should I do?

Is your project capable of industrial application? Does it include an inventive step ? is it an invention ? does it have a function?

If so, and if you haven't disclosed the invention to anyone outside College you may be able to apply for a patent: see patents

Is the novelty of your design in its shape or form? If so, and you haven't publicly disclosed the design to anyone outside the College earlier than 12 months ago you should apply for Design Registration: see Design Registration

How much do I have to pay now to apply for a patent?

An initial application costs nothing to file. However it is advisable to seek professional advice before you send in your application ? Patent Agents often offer a half hour free consultation where they will comment on your drafted application form. Contact the Patent Office or the CIPA for details.

If you would like to employ a Patent Agent to draft your application, fees vary, so it's just a case of getting out the Yellow Pages and finding the best quote. The Innovation Unit will shortly be putting together a list of Patent Agents relevant to the art and design field

I've got a great idea but I need some advice from people who are not members of the College, can I talk to them about the project?

You can talk to them after they have signed a 'non-disclosure form' which you can download from here. Just complete the date, your name and address, the company's name and address, and the name of your project. Print off two copies. You sign both, your Head of Dept signs both and the company signs both. You keep one and the company keeps one. They are now bound to keep confidential anything you tell them about the project.

Can I speak to the Press about my project if I haven't applied for a patent or registered the design?

Once your project is written about or images appear in a magazine which is available to the public your project is considered in the 'public domain' and cannot be patented. However if it is the shape, surface finish or pattern you want to register you have 12 months from the first public disclosure to register your design, however you will not be protected against others copying your design until your design has been registered.

What's the point of patenting or registering my idea?

If you see your project as just your showcase for future employment and something that you don't particularly want to make money from then there isn't much point in protecting your idea. However if you believe your work might be taken on by another, you should take steps to protect your project so that even if you hand over the whole project to a company and have nothing more to do with it, you will still earn money from it.

What are the benefits of me applying to the Selected Works Scheme?

If you believe that your project has a real chance of commercial success, and you have the energy and drive to take it forward after you graduate, it's good to have some support: financial, legal and professional. If your project attracts interest you will need to continue with your patent application, this is where costs start to rise ? you will be paying thousands for searches, examinations and applications for international patents.

If you are accepted onto the Scheme the College pays all your patent fees, and supports you in other ways too: you may be given a part-time employment contract to allow you the space to push the project forward; we can pay your travel fees if you need to meet possible investors; we can fund some prototyping costs.